Tips to turn the kitchen sink into a beautiful, functional focal point

(BPT) - When you’re updating a kitchen, it’s time to ignore that old adage “everything but the kitchen sink.” Many homeowners don’t think about replacing their kitchen sink unless it’s broken, ancient or they’re upgrading countertops. However, the sink has the potential to be the perfect focal point of beauty and functionality in any kitchen.

Whether you’re undertaking a full kitchen renovation, or simply looking for a cost-effective way to freshen an existing room, replacing the sink offers many benefits.

Reasons to replace

Swapping out an old kitchen sink with a new one allows you to:

Change a key style element in the kitchen — The style of sink should underscore the overall design theme of the kitchen. If you have a white porcelain apron sink in a modern kitchen, a stainless steel sink like the Ludington line from Sterling might better match your decor.

Add features and functions — Do you always run out of working room in your single-bowl sink? Replacing it with a dual-bowl unit can increase your work area, plus give you the opportunity to add a garbage disposal on one side. When you replace your sink, it’s also natural to replace the faucet, allowing you to choose one that better meets your needs, such as a pull-down or touch-free unit.

Improve performance — Perhaps the existing sink is too shallow to comfortably allow for filling large cook pots. Or, overmount installation makes it difficult to keep the sink and surrounding countertop as clean as you would like. Replacing an underperforming sink with a new one allows you to increase sink depth and create an easier environment for cleaning.

**Top kitchen sink trends
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Some sink styles are timeless, like stainless steel. Still, trends constantly emerge in sink design and in how homeowners incorporate sinks into their kitchens. If you’re considering replacing your kitchen sink, here are some trends to keep in mind:

Two sinks can be better than one — Houzz reports a growing number of builders are including two kitchen sinks in new homes. The design improves workflow, allowing one sink to work for food prep and the second for cleanup. A typical arrangement is to have one sink in a kitchen island and a second in the wall-hugging countertop area.

Stainless steel still has staying power — Stainless is the most popular sink material, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). In terms of durability, it’s difficult to beat stainless steel. What’s more, the finish blends well with virtually any kitchen design theme, especially if you also have stainless steel appliances. Options like Sterling’s Ludington series offer deep basins, single- or double-basin styles, undermount installation, and SilentShield sound-absorbing technology. Visit www.sterlingplumbing.com to learn more.

Integrated accessories mean the sink has it all — Of course, accessories can make an already great sink even better, and the NKBA reports demand is growing for sinks with integrated accessories. In addition to built-in garbage disposals, homeowners want sinks with soap dispensers, water filters and hot water dispensers, the organization says.

Subtle or stunning — Sinks attach to countertops in different ways. Drop-in or self-rimming sinks fit into a hole cut in the countertop and rest there courtesy of a lip — or rim — that sits on top of the counter material. Undermount sinks only work with solid surface countertops such as granite, marble or quartz, and attach to the underside of the countertop. Undermount design allows the countertops to shine, and also makes it easier to keep the countertop area around the sink cleaner. Sinks with apron-front designs calls attention to the sink and showcases the beauty of the stainless steel.

Every kitchen needs at least one sink; after all, it’s a critical point in the work triangle. Upgrading a kitchen sink can be a simple, cost-effective and visually appealing way to help transform the entire room.